Players work on new offer as NHL lockout reaches 66th day

No expectations in next proposal

The NHL lockout hit its 66th day Tuesday without negotiations between the league and players' union in an attempt to come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The sides met for nearly 2 hours Monday night in New York and spent Tuesday apart as the NHLPA is reportedly mulling making a new proposal the next time the sides sit down to talk. Reportedly, negotiations will resume today in New York.

There is still a wide gap in the division of hockey-related revenue and also contract terms, among other items. The NHL is said to be waiting for the union to offer a new deal – though NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told the Tribune in an e-mail that he isn't sure what will transpire.

"I don't have any expectations at this point," Daly said in the e-mail.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Steve Montador, a member of the NHLPA's negotiating committee, said via email that "we are considering a proposal but nothing is definite. In fact, we've always been working on proposals, and that's shown in the multiple offers thus far.

"Time is ticking more now than ever but we're not at a point where the season would be cancelled – at least in my opinion," Montador added. "For now, it's a continued reserved optimism."

Thus far, 327 games have been canceled due to the lockout that began Sept. 15. The Hawks had been scheduled to play the Sharks in San Jose on Tuesday night at HP Pavilion.